By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The one-two punch of Filipina imports Mylene Paat and Dindin Santiago-Manabat in the Thailand Volleyball League proved to be one of the most explosive tandems after leading their club Nakhon Ratchasima to a sweeping victory against Nakornnont, 25-17, 25-15, 25-22.
Soon as Manabat arrived in Thailand, familiarity and chemistry were never an issue with her club as the national team staple provided the offense when Nakhon needed her most.
The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) champion was responsible for Nakhon’s offensive run during the second and third sets that kept Nakornnont from making a comeback.
Manabat scored two crucial points when the fight started to get close in the third set, spiking the ball two consecutive times to break the 18-all deadlock in the score.
Aside from her consistent offensive output, Manabat also imposed her will in the middle-blocking department, swatting away two Nakornnont attacks that prevented any threat of inching close.
Meanwhile, Paat remained steady for Nakhon and provided an offensive spark in the second set where they avalanched their way to a quick 25-15.
Despite their Thailand stints, Manabat and Paat already confirmed their commitment to their respective PVL mother teams and will return to the Philippines after the Thailand V. League season.
The Filipinas were also included in the initial Philippine team lineup that will compete for the upcoming 2022 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam and will team up with former pals Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, Jia Morado, Kim Dy, Aby Marano, Ces Molina, and Kalei Mau.
